Federal law defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation to a child, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.

In the context of youth sports, child abuse can take many, and perhaps, to some, surprising forms:  

Emotional abuse

Is a verbal attack on a child's self esteem by a person in a position of power, authority, or trust such as a parent or coach, and occurs even if the attack is intended as a form of discipline or is not intended by the adult to cause harm

Can take many forms, including any of the following:

Parents, along with teachers, coaches, school nurses, psychologists, and athletic trainers play a crucial role in a child's treatment and recovery from a suspected concussion, especially the all-important decisions about when to return to school ("return to learn") and everyday social and home activity, and, in most cases, to sports.